FRANK ALLEN is lead singer and bass player with the Searchers, who in the Sixties had hits with such songs as Sweets For My Sweet, Sugar and Spice, and Needles And Pins. They take to the West Cliff Theatre stage, Clacton, on June 6 at 7.30pm. For tickets call the box office on 01255 433344.

What’s your earliest musical memory?

Getting up at the British Legion in Hillingdon as a lad of about six and singing Saint Theresa Of The Roses (a hit at the time for Malcolm Vaughan). I got a shilling for singing it.

Where did you perform live for the first time, what was the occasion?

I do remember playing in my school skiffle group in the bar of the Windmill pub in Hounslow.

First album you bought?

Gene Vincent Rocks While The Blue Caps Roll

Last album you bought?

Infamous Angel, by Iris Dement.

Favourite album of all time?

My choice would change from week to week. Possibly Moondance, by Van Morrison.

Who’s your biggest inspiration?

Johnnie Ray or Elvis Presley

Favourite lyric you’ve written?

Baby I Do from the Hungry Hearts album.

Favourite lyric someone else has written?

America by Paul Simon or long Ago And Far Away by Jerome Kern.

First song you wrote? What was it about?

I honestly can`t remember. I am not a natural songwriter although I am a natural lyricist.

Best gig you’ve been to and why?

Eartha Kitt at the Carlyle in New York. She was an intense and emotional performer and you could never take your eyes off her when she was on stage.

Best gig you’ve played and why?

The most awesome was definitely Wembley Stadium in 1989 in front of 80,000 people.

We were guests on Cliff Richard's 30th anniversary concerts.